Rescue Efforts Underway for Everest Hikers Battling Hypothermia in Blizzard

Fri Oct 10 2025 15:05:52 GMT+0300 (Eastern European Summer Time)

A severe blizzard has trapped hundreds of hikers on Everest's eastern slopes, with reports of hypothermia and at least one fatality. Emergency rescues are ongoing as conditions remain treacherous.

A sudden blizzard on Mount Everest has resulted in numerous hikers being stranded, with reports of hypothermia and at least one death. Rescuers are working tirelessly to evacuate those trapped, as heavy snowfall continues to impact the region. Local authorities and villagers have mobilized to assist with the rescue efforts, highlighting the dangers of hiking during extreme weather conditions.

Hikers caught in a shock blizzard near Mount Everest have spoken of experiencing hypothermia as they battled relentless snowfall, while rescuers continue to evacuate scores of people.

At least one hiker has died and more than 200 are still stranded on Everest's eastern slopes in Tibet, an area popular with climbers and hikers, Chinese state media reported.

Snowfall began on Friday evening and intensified over the weekend. Hundreds of local villagers and rescue workers have been deployed to clear out snow blocking access to the area, which sits at an altitude of more than 4,900m (16,000ft).

Rescuers have guided 350 people to safety in the small township of Qudang. Authorities are in contact with all the hikers who are still trapped.

Nature photographer Dong Shuchang was among hundreds of tourists who flocked to the area during China's Golden Week holiday. He was looking forward to capturing the Himalayan marvel from the Tibetan slopes, when the snowstorm hit just hours after his trek started on Saturday.

The lightning and thunderstorms would not stop. The snowfall was so heavy I could hardly sleep, Mr Dong explained.

His group had reached an altitude of 4,600m before they decided to turn back. Our windbreakers and raincoats were no match for the snow. We were all drenched, he said, adding that several people in his group of 20 showed signs of hypothermia.

The 27-year-old had been to the Himalayas more than a dozen times, but said he has never experienced weather like this. Mr Dong's escape from the trail was lined with wet snow and falling sleet.

Chen Geshuang, who was part of Mr Dong's hiking group, said the snow was about a metre deep when the group started their retreat on Sunday. All of us are experienced hikers, but this blizzard was still extremely difficult to deal with. I was so lucky to get out, she said.

Another woman told the BBC that her husband who had been stuck in the snowstorm was slowly descending from the mountains, but thick snow cover has made his retreat extremely difficult. Even for rescuers, it's not easy, they need to clear snow to make a path, she said.

China is in the middle of its week-long National Day holiday known as Golden Week, a peak season for local tourism. October usually provides clear skies and friendly temperatures, making it one of the favoured months to hike in the Mount Everest area. However, this year's extreme weather is reminiscent of other recent crises faced by the region.